Graduate Diploma of Government Law

Government operates within a framework of law and practice, consistently with the rule of law. This framework includes constitutional law and administrative law but extends well beyond both to a host of particular legal regimes that apply to government actors. This is a dynamic branch of law, constantly changing in response to new pressures and government responses. It lends itself to comparison between countries, enabling students to understand different ways of tackling similar problems and to draw lessons from them. In an age of globalisation, it has a large and growing interface with international law, requiring a grasp of both areas. The specialisation in government law reflects the changing nature and complexity of the field. The subjects offer students expertise in matters that lie at the cutting-edge of government law in Australia and elsewhere.

A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) at honours standard or equivalent leading to admission to legal practice; or a degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice and at least one year of documented, relevant professional experience; or an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least 1 year of documented, relevant professional work experience. All applicants must also meet the English language requirements of the University of Melbourne.

Structure:

Students must complete four subjects from the prescribed list. Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.

Subjects you can Study:

Government law

Who for:

Those currently working for or dealing with government, and anyone with an interest in public affairs, in Australia or internationally

Why study with us

At the University of Melbourne, your success begins from the day you set foot on campus.

The unique and proven Melbourne Model, Australia’s most progressive curriculum, allows you the flexibility to uncover and explore your passions, assisting you to achieve greatness, no matter what you decide to do – during your studies and for your career. From solving real-world problems to forming powerful relationships as you go, your success is already in the making.

At Melbourne, you’ll be exposed to different ideas, approaches and ways of thinking that will help you adapt and change successfully – something that’s crucial in a world where careers, jobs and employer demands are shifting as fast as you can read this.

The Melbourne Model offers pathways into law, engineering, medicine, architecture, teaching and more. Combining undergraduate and graduate study gives you a higher qualification than a double degree. In fact, 97 per cent of Melbourne undergraduates and 98 per cent of postgraduates are employed three to five years after graduating (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2018).

Facilities and Services

Ideally located in the heart of Melbourne, the University of Melbourne is an integral part of the city’s history and culture and boasts the world-class facilities, student accommodation and collaborative learning precincts only a premium, inner-city university can offer. The support Melbourne offers students – from housing advice, career and employability information, study assistance, disability and counselling – is one reason why Melbourne students are more likely to complete their degree than those at any other Australian university (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Report 2017).

With our communities of interest – including places of worship, the student union Queer Space, and Murrup Barak for Indigenous students – everyone feels welcome.

Admission and Selection

The University of Melbourne’s Study website is a ready resource for everything you need to know about studying at Australia’s leading university. From eligibility requirements for domestic and international students and submitting an application through VTAC to applying for special entry schemes and scholarships, you’re set up for success from the get-go.

Study options

At Melbourne you’ll start with one of our undergraduate degrees. Whether it’s one of the Melbourne Model degrees in arts, biomedicine, commerce, design, music or science – or a specialist degree co-designed with industry such as agriculture, fine arts or oral health – you’ll progress through your studies while building networks, knowledge and shared experiences that will set you on the path to success.

You can then choose to join the workforce or specialise at graduate level. And, in the meantime, study at partner institutions across the world.

Now, with a whole raft of new Graduate Degree Packages and scholarships on offer, your options and pathways are deeper and broader, and your success more assured than ever.

A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) at honours standard or equivalent leading to admission to legal practice; or a degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice and at least one year of documented, relevant professional experience; or an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least 1 year of documented, relevant professional work experience. All applicants must also meet the English language requirements of the University of Melbourne.

Structure:

Students must complete four subjects from the prescribed list. Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.

Subjects you can Study:

Government law

Who for:

Those currently working for or dealing with government, and anyone with an interest in public affairs, in Australia or internationally

Why study with us

At the University of Melbourne, your success begins from the day you set foot on campus.

The unique and proven Melbourne Model, Australia’s most progressive curriculum, allows you the flexibility to uncover and explore your passions, assisting you to achieve greatness, no matter what you decide to do – during your studies and for your career. From solving real-world problems to forming powerful relationships as you go, your success is already in the making.

At Melbourne, you’ll be exposed to different ideas, approaches and ways of thinking that will help you adapt and change successfully – something that’s crucial in a world where careers, jobs and employer demands are shifting as fast as you can read this.

The Melbourne Model offers pathways into law, engineering, medicine, architecture, teaching and more. Combining undergraduate and graduate study gives you a higher qualification than a double degree. In fact, 97 per cent of Melbourne undergraduates and 98 per cent of postgraduates are employed three to five years after graduating (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2018).

Facilities and Services

Ideally located in the heart of Melbourne, the University of Melbourne is an integral part of the city’s history and culture and boasts the world-class facilities, student accommodation and collaborative learning precincts only a premium, inner-city university can offer. The support Melbourne offers students – from housing advice, career and employability information, study assistance, disability and counselling – is one reason why Melbourne students are more likely to complete their degree than those at any other Australian university (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Report 2017).

With our communities of interest – including places of worship, the student union Queer Space, and Murrup Barak for Indigenous students – everyone feels welcome.

Admission and Selection

The University of Melbourne’s Study website is a ready resource for everything you need to know about studying at Australia’s leading university. From eligibility requirements for domestic and international students and submitting an application through VTAC to applying for special entry schemes and scholarships, you’re set up for success from the get-go.

Study options

At Melbourne you’ll start with one of our undergraduate degrees. Whether it’s one of the Melbourne Model degrees in arts, biomedicine, commerce, design, music or science – or a specialist degree co-designed with industry such as agriculture, fine arts or oral health – you’ll progress through your studies while building networks, knowledge and shared experiences that will set you on the path to success.

You can then choose to join the workforce or specialise at graduate level. And, in the meantime, study at partner institutions across the world.

Now, with a whole raft of new Graduate Degree Packages and scholarships on offer, your options and pathways are deeper and broader, and your success more assured than ever.